What can be done in 48 hours?

Mammoth Cave National Park

Kentucky

August 2016

From after school on a Friday to a Sunday night, below is what I accomplished with Kellisa:

1. Fly R/T from Sacramento to Indianapolis.

2. Drive 450 miles R/T between Indianapolis and Mammoth Cave National Park.

3. Cross a river on a ferry.

4. Drive a dirt road trail.

5. Hike all the accessible trails in Mammoth Cave National Park.

6. Go on the first wheelchair tour in Mammoth Cave in more than 14 years.

It all started five or six years ago when I was close to Mammoth Cave National Park while in the area for work. I stopped by the visitor center for information. Specifically, I wanted to know if Kellisa could go on any of the cave tours. I was surprised to learn that Mammoth Cave did not have a single option for people in wheelchairs because the elevator was broke. I asked how long until it would be fixed and the ranger had no idea. He went on to explain that the elevator for the accessible tour had been broke for 8 or 9 years. I was also told the park didn't have the money to fix the elevator.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (KY)

Kentucky

January 2014

 

 

Another cold and windy hike. (More pictures)

 



Black Mountain

Kellisa's 5th State Highpoint

Black Mountain, Kentucky

4,145ft.

June 2006



Black Mountain is located deep in coal mine country. In fact, coal mining is done on the upper portions of Black Mountain. Because a coal mining company owns the summit, a waiver needs to be completed and returned prior to your visit. You will be signing away all rights, yours and surviving family members if anything happens to you on Black Mountain.

The day Kellisa and I visited, the mountain was trapped in the clouds which made the long, winding mountain roads slower than normal. A guidebook is essential because the summit and it's turnoff are not marked by a sign on the highway. The correct road leads toward the "FAA En Route Radar". Shortly after the radar station the road turns to dirt and it can usually be followed directly to the summit area. However, a gate blocked the road on our visit and we had to hike the short distance to the actual highpoint. Kellisa was still small enough for a store bought jog stroller and I was able to tip it back as we went under the gate. We continued up the muddy road for a short distance before arriving at Kellisa's 5th state highpoint.

Disabled visitors should plan for the gate to be locked and have a plan B. If I can't tip Kellisa in her chair under a gate, I usually set her on the ground while I struggle to get her chair/stroller to the other side. Preferably, I can get it under or around and lifting it over the gate is the last option. I then pull Kellisa under the gate as she normally laughs at my struggles before lifting her back in her seat. Disabled adults may require two people to help. I would also recommend a tarp to set on the ground in case it's wet like our day on Black Mountain.

 Highway near Black Mountain

 Narrow road leading to the summit area

 The road beyond the "normally" unlocked gate to the summit

 Kellisa at the summit

Father/daughter at the summit

Building and towers on the summit